Camilo Mejia - GI Resister, Conscientious Objector, and Iraq War Veteran

On May 21, 2004, 28-year-old Sgt. Camilo Mejia was sentenced to one year in prison for refusing to return to fight in Iraq. Camilo spent six months in combat in Iraq, then returned for a two-week furlough to the U.S. During that time he reflected on what he had seen, including the abuse of prisoners and the killing of civilians. He concluded that the war was illegal and immoral, and decided that he would not return. In March 2004 he turned himself in to the U.S. military and filed an application for conscientious objector status. He was tried by the army as a deserter and sentenced to one year in the stockade.

"By putting my weapon down, I chose to reassert myself as a human being."--Camilo Mejia

Mejia will be joined by another Army sergeant and Iraq War veteran turned conscientious objector, Kevin Benderman, who faces a May 11 court martial for refusing a second deployment to Iraq. The popular local folk band Annie and the Vets will play at the event.

$5 - $15 suggested donation benefits Veterans for Peace and Peninsula Peace and Justice Center.